The Empire

by C. L. Alden

  “Bullshit!” Ali shouted which quieted everyone down. “We have a rare opportunity in our town. Don’t you get that? We have a connection to our past that other people don’t. We need to use that.”

  “How?” Chuck asked.

  “I don’t know. But we’re here right now, all together. Let’s figure it out!”

  “I have an idea.” Darcy said.

  “What is it that you propose?” the spokesman asked.

  “I think that we, the living, need a reminder of who we are and where we come from. I don’t know if this will work, but maybe you can show us.” Darcy stepped up onto the flat stone and the tingle intensified. She reached out her hand towards the spokesman. She hoped that she could connect with him, the way she did with Will. What she felt when the spokesman took her hand wasn’t flesh and blood, but there was a solid density to it. The jolt surprised him, but he didn’t pull away. As their eyes locked, she felt an exchange of history flow between them. In a brief flash she saw bits of his life. She released his hand, and saw the look of recognition on his face as he realized what she was trying to do.

  “I believe you are right. Let us proceed,” he said.

  Darcy looked over to the living side. “Sonny,” she called, holding out her hand to him. He stepped back, unsure.

  Mother O seemed to know what Darcy was attempting to do. She took Sonny’s hand. “Go ahead, I’m with you.” she whispered, nudging her great grandson forward.

  Sonny took a couple steps and then stepped up onto the stone. He looked nervous. After a moment, he tentatively reached towards Darcy. She felt the jolt like before, but this time it quickly dispersed throughout her body making it less unpleasant. She didn’t let go.

  “Stella,” Mother O said as she held out her hand. Stella grasped it and with the other took Madame Pearl’s who in turn took Mr. Barrett’s and so on until all the living both founding members and other meeting goers had joined hands. Temperance and Ruth walked over to Will and Ali and placed a hand on the arm of their relative.

  At the same time, the spokesman called to the woman who had come forward earlier. He took her hand and she took another, the process repeating what had been done on the living side.

  When everyone was connected, Darcy looked at the spokesman and ‘others’ and said, “Show us what we’ve forgotten.” As she looked into the spokesman’s eyes and took his hand again, she felt a surge of energy rush through her and then level off. They were the conduits. She could feel the ripple effect on the living side as each person’s energy was joined as the connection made its way down the line.

  Random images from different time periods flashed in her mind’s eye, and flowed out to the living as the ‘others’ each remembered places and accomplishments that were important to them and to the town. Ship building, the first lime quarry and kilns, timber, granite quarries, the building of the church, community suppers, a thriving trading community with the Natives, French Canadian, and other settlements up and down the coast, Spring planting, blossoming apple orchards, fishing. All the images still had relevance to present day Shoreton in some way. There was no dialogue with the pictures, but Darcy hoped that everyone got the same sense of what each image meant to the ‘other’ by the emotion that was connected to it. A rich history of hardships, triumphs, tragedy, hope, fear, love, and community was being conveyed. They were seeing and feeling the milestones of their community and the industries that supported it and the evolution of their town over generations.

  As the images continued, Darcy felt something developing on the living side. She likened it to newly formed tendrils reaching out from a seed pod, stretching out searching for something yet unknown. She felt these tendrils, moving up the line towards her, expanding in number as they got closer, and realized that it was the renewal of the bonds of the living to their heritage and history that she was feeling. A commitment from the living that they accepted their connection to the past. The tendrils reached past her and into the spokesman and beyond where they took hold having found their destination.

  The final image linked all the previous images together and though she wasn’t sure of exactly what was going on, she felt it was the most important image of all. It was the root of the mystical bond that the people of Shoreton have with their history, the town and the land it inhabits. It was in the very early years of Shoreton, a meeting at the stones between local Native Americans and the founding families. She got the sense of anger, distrust, sadness. Underlying it was the magical forces of the stones at work. Whatever happened, that image was the day the founding families became supernaturally bound to the the land and stones.

  Darcy felt a sense of completion that the spokesman must have felt as well because he released her hand.

  “It is done.” he said acknowledging that he felt that something had transpired as well.

  “Let’s see if it worked.” Darcy replied. She turned to Sonny, “Thank you,” she said letting go of his hand. He nodded and stepped down from the stone. She looked towards the living. She hoped that something had changed, as she addressed them. “We came here today to talk about the future of Shoreton. Are we willing to find a compromise that will allow our town to move forward without forgetting where it has come from?”

  Barrett Sr. was the first to speak. “On behalf of the Barrett family, I apologize for any breach we are responsible for in straining our bonds to you. I renew my family’s pledge to honor the past as we find ways to continue on.”

  Darcy noticed that something was transpiring between Ali and Ruth. Ali nodded to Ruth and then stepped forward. “As the living head of the Founding and Historical Societies, I vow to continue my family’s heritage and legacy by protecting and preserving the memory of those that came before us, and ensuring that bonds between us remain strong, for the living and for those who come after us.”

  The mayor of the town spoke up. “As Mayor of Shoreton, I promise to work to keep our history a vital part of the town’s identity.”

  The spokesman turned to his people and asked, “Do we accept their oath and bond?”

  A man from an early time period said “Aye.” One after another added their agreements.

  The spokesman turned to face the living and said, “We accept your pledge.”

  “Thank you,” Darcy said holding her hand out to him. He looked at her, but didn’t move. She wasn’t sure if it was customary in his time for a woman to shake hands as a sign of agreement, but she hoped the gesture would act as a final seal between the two sides. She felt the his ethereal hand grip hers.

  “You will find young Barrett in a mystical sleep in the cellar of the Empire. He will not awaken until a member of a founding family finds him” the spokesman said to Darcy and then looked to Mr. Barrett who nodded in acknowledgement.

  “Thank you.” Darcy said.

  “Goodbye Miss Adams and thank you.” the spokesman said.

  “Goodbye, um, I’m sorry, I don’t know your name.”

  “Robert Adams,” he said with smile and a twinkle of pride in his eye. The spokesman turned and stepped off the stone.

  The glow of the stones increased momentarily as the ‘others’ walked out of the circle. Darcy saw Stella and Ruth saying their goodbyes to the Lowe’s as they left the circle. The lights of the stones blinked out as the last ‘other’ walked through and disappeared.

  Temperance and Ruth met Darcy as she stepped off the stone.

  “Well done, Miss Adams.” Temperance said.

  “Yes, crisis averted,” Ruth agreed.

  “I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m glad it ended well.”

  “One loose end to tie up and this little caper can go in the books.” Ruth said.

  “I think I should be the one go and get Eddie. It might be easier to explain.”

  “Stella can give you something to help rewrite the last day for ol’ Fast Eddie.”

  “That would help, thanks.”

  “We shall take our leave as well.” Temperance said.


  “Thanks for being a good friend to Ali. She could do worse.” Ruth said with a wink.

  “Thanks, I think.” Darcy smiled.

  “She’s in for quite a ride in the coming months. Check in on her from time to time, would ya?” Ruth asked.

  “Of course.”

  “Alright then, Tempe, let’s blow this popsicle stand!” Ruth said, giving Darcy a wink as Temperance scowled. Darcy watched them walk out of the circle and disappear.

  “Well, I think that went pretty well. What do you think, Stella?”

  “It could’ve been much worse.”

  “Not the ringing endorsement I hoped for, especially since most of us just stumbled blindly into all of this, but I’ll take it.” Ali replied optimistically.

  “Boy, you’re awfully chipper.” Darcy commented.

  “I am. The adventure is just beginning!”

  “Well let’s finish up this adventure before we start another one, shall we?” Stella suggested.

  “To the bus!” Ali charged like some superhero. “Come on people, let’s move it!” she said rounding everyone up and heading towards the bus. Darcy and Will brought up the rear.

  There was a tranquil silence between them as they walked through the woods. That moment had changed something between them, but Darcy wasn’t sure how yet. There would be time later to figure that out.

  “Darce—” Will stopped and turned to her like he wanted to say something. He looked into her eyes, perhaps reliving what he saw earlier. She could see that he knew that it had changed something too. Having decided against saying anything else, he started walking again. She jogged a couple steps to catch up with him. Without saying a word he took her hand. The group was already getting on the bus when they reached the clearing. Just like those early bonfire nights they let go of each other’s hand as they stepped into the dimming light of sunset.

  CHAPTER Twenty-six

  Everyone was quite parched when they returned from the field trip to the stones. They went back to their original seats and happily accepted a glass of spiked water from Will and Darcy as they circulated around the room.

  Darcy approached Mr. Barrett with her tray of drinks.

  “No thank you dear.” he said looking her in the eyes.

  “You didn’t drink your water before, did you Mr. Barrett?”

  “This isn’t my first go ‘round, Miss Adams.” he said with a knowing look. “Rest assured, I know the rules.” The disclosure didn’t shock Darcy. After this week she doubted if anything ever would again.

  “I think it’s best if I go in and get Eddie. I can say we were meeting for a walk through or something. The rest is up to you.”

  “Agreed. And I promise, Eddie’s plans for Trader’s Point will not come to fruition. From now on I’ll be taking a much more active interest in the properties and potential properties of Barrett Holdings.”

  Stella talked to the mayor and her assistant briefly and then handed her a brief speech.

  The mayor addressed the room. “Thank you again for coming to this meeting at the Grand. As we discussed, the cause of the cannery fire and the disturbance downtown will continue to be thoroughly investigated. The results of the investigations will be made public as soon as they are concluded. I also want to thank you for your interest in the future of Shoreton. We all know that changes are inevitable, but I’m glad we all agree that our heritage and history are an important part of who we are. The SHS will continue its important work in preserving the history of our town for future generations, and we will continue to value and honor the contributions of generations past that have made Shoreton what it is today. We will not forget. Thank you again for coming to this meeting at the Grand.”

  And that was it. The conclusion of this day full of drama and magic seemed a little disappointing. Darcy expected an ending with more of a flourish.

  “So that’s it?” she asked Stella.

  “Yep.”

  People lingered for a few minutes around the refreshments table. Everyone had developed an appetite. Hank was the last to leave.

  “I’m headed home Darce.” Hank said.

  “I’m gonna hang out with these guys for awhile.” Darcy replied.

  “I think I’ll stop and pick up a pizza, I’m starving!” he said

  “Ooh...Pepi’s?”

  “Of course! I’ll save you some.”

  “Can I interest you in an appetizer?” Stella asked Darcy and Will when it was just the four of them left.

  “Nice try Stella.” Darcy said sarcastically.

  “Are you sure? It might make your life a lot easier.”

  “I don’t want to forget.” Will said glancing at Darcy.

  “We’re not going to say anything. Besides I promised Ruth that I’d keep an eye Ali. You know, keep her on the straight and narrow.”

  “What do you know about the straight and narrow?” Ali asked with a knowing look, that made Darcy blush and Will wonder.

  Darcy moved on. “Oh and we’re not the only ones who’ll be remembering. Turns out Mr. Barrett didn’t eat or drink anything either.”

  Stella didn’t look worried. “Not surprising.”

  Darcy waited for further explanation, but Stella didn’t elaborate. “We also have the issue of Eddie, I told Mr. Barrett that it might be easier if I handled getting him out of the Empire.”

  “Good thinking,” Ali agreed.

  “The question is when though? The early show has already started.”

  “We can go in at the change,” Will suggested. “Suggest that you were meeting up there to go for drinks.”

  “How does she explain why they’re in the basement?” Ali asked.

  “Maybe we can get him out of the basement and wake him up somewhere else?” Will replied.

  “With no one seeing? How do we even get to the basement to begin with?”

  “Ugh...I didn’t think this through when I volunteered, did I?”

  “Stella, do you have a magic wand or something that can teleport us in or at the very least unlock a few doors?” Ali asked hopefully.

  Stella laughed. “Nothing as flashy as all that. You’ve seen too many movies.”

  “We’ll have to wait until they close then, and wing it.”

  Stella handed Darcy a small vial of colorless liquid. “Use the whole thing. Be very specific about what you want him to remember.”

  ***

  By 11:30 the Empire was empty. Ali parked behind the theater.

  “I’ll go in and unlock the back door. Hopefully Eddie hasn’t upgraded to a security system.”

  At that hour, Darcy knew that Main St. would be quiet. She got to the front door without seeing a soul. Up the street a few restaurant goers trickled out of Shore Harbor Brewery laughing and saying goodbye to each other as they as they headed to their cars. Her heart nearly stopped when a police cruiser came rolling by, just as she was ready to unlock the door. She dropped the keys in her purse and pretended to be looking for something.

  The cruiser stopped and the officer rolled down his window. “Everything alright, Miss?”

  “Fine, thank you. Just looking for my keys.” She pulled the keys out, “Here they are.”

  “Have a good night.”

  “Thanks officer, you too.” She pulled out her phone and pretended to call someone until they were out of sight.

  Once inside, she locked the door and headed for the downstairs theater. There was an exit door to the left of the stage that led to the back parking lot. Using her cell phone as a flashlight she examined the metal door. It didn’t look like there was an alarm attached. Only one way to find out, she thought. She pushed the panic bar and the door opened without a sound. Ali and Will got out of the car and hurried into the theater.

  “I feel so stealthy!” Ali whispered excitedly.

  “Any problems?” Will whispered.

  “No just a helpful cop that nearly gave me a heart attack.”

  “Why are we whispering?” Ali asked in her normal voice startling bot
h Darcy and Will who both said “Sshh!” at the same time, before realizing there was no reason.

  “I don’t know. Come on, let’s get to the basement.” Darcy said heading up the aisle toward the lobby.

  The basement entrance was located down stairs through a door past the restrooms. At the bottom of the stairs a sitting area was set up outside the restrooms with framed pictures of the Empire through the generations and some framed vintage movie posters. There were a couple of doors that led to old dressing rooms and a green room that were now used for storage.

  Darcy tried the handle of the metal basement door. “It’s locked, of course.”

  “Any idea where there might be a key?” Will asked.

  “Only if it’s still where it used to be.” When she worked there no one liked going into the basement. The boiler and other building mechanisms were down there in a poorly lit partially finished area. Not much was stored down there except the marquee letters, tools, old seat parts and light bulbs. Beyond that, the concrete floor dropped down to the original dirt and stone floor with a single pull string light bulb illuminating the area, creating ominous shadows full of cobwebs and discarded junk. “I’ll be right back.” She headed up to the lobby and opened the coat closet. She felt around the wall by the light switches just inside the door. I’m glad some things never change, she thought as she felt the key hanging on the small hook.

  The basement door squeaked open. Darcy flicked on the lights, and stepped down the three wooden steps to the basement floor with Will and Ali behind her. Not much had changed. The lighting was a little better in the finished area, but dropped off to darkness past the concrete pad.

  The area not taken up by machinery wasn’t very large. It was easy to see that Eddie wasn’t there. Darcy pulled out her cell phone and turned on the flashlight. She scanned the dark area along the back wall past the concrete and found him propped up against the wall, seated in an old section of theater seats, fast asleep, in his pajamas.